For the most part, the shotgun in the Halo series remained mostly the same. It has had some different designs over the past 20 years, but it kept the same gameplay. If players got too close, they would be met with a shotgun blast to the chest. One-shot kills at close range were the main draw of the shotgun in Halo. It also provided a good counter to the Energy Sword.
However, Halo Infinite has changed this by introducing the CQS48 Bulldog. The CQS48 Bulldog has a much longer range, faster firing rate, and tighter weapon spread. But players weren’t happy to learn that it takes a total of 2 shots to kill someone at close range. It no longer had the stopping power players were used to, and it can no longer counter the Energy Sword. This new shotgun is still worth using, but it isn’t as easy to get kills with it compared to earlier games.
CQS48 Bulldog General Information
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Manufacturer: Misriah Armory
- Ammunition Type: Kinetic
- Magazine Size: 7
- Rate of Fire: Semi-Automatic
- Time To Kill (Multiplayer): 2 Full Shots (Close Range)
The new CQS48 Bulldog is a fast-firing semi-automatic combat shotgun. This weapon is mainly used by UNSC. It uses a drum magazine that holds 7 shells. Players that like to be aggressive and be in the thick of the fight should pick up this weapon when possible. In Halo Infinite, the CQS48 Bulldog can take down enemies in 2 shots at close range. Considering how fast this shotgun fires, its kill time is relatively quick, making it particularly dangerous in tight spaces and close range.
Due to its fast firing speed, it also has high recoil. Firing rapidly will have the weapon constantly moving your aim vertically. You will have to adjust accordingly. Also, because it is more accurate at longer ranges compared to past shotguns, you can easily kill opponents trying to escape.
Related Weapons Guide: How to Use the Heatwave in Halo Infinite
Best Halo Infinite Maps for the Bulldog Shotgun
It is safe to say that the CQS48 Bulldog in Halo Infinite excels on smaller maps with tight and condensed corridors. You want an area where all of your pellets will hit the target. Smaller spaces will help with this. In Big Team Battle it isn’t the best weapon. Maps are too open, you will either be gunned down by the Battle Rifle or Assault Rifle. Even the pistol will be a better option in most situations.
Bazaar
The CQS48 Bulldog can be found in the lower basement of the tower, below the power weapon spawn. At least one other player will be going for this weapon. The basement is a magnet for firefights. This is the perfect area to put this weapon to work. Once an enemy is down here it is hard to escape and you should score a kill very easily if you have the CQS48 Bulldog. The alleyways are good spots for this weapon as well.
Streets
On Halo Infinite’s Streets map, the Bulldog shotgun can be found on a yellow vending machine on the wall. If you spawn near the nest, it will be down the right street. However, if you spawn in the two-story base, it will be on the left street up the small hill. The CQS48 Bulldog can do work in the arcade area. Most people will be trying to protect or capture the point there. A few well-placed grenades and the Bulldog will clean that area up rather quickly.
Tips and Tricks to Using the Bulldog Shotgun in Halo Infinite
The CQS48 Bulldog is a simple weapon to use. With no alt-firing modes or other special properties, players of any skill level will find this weapon easy to understand. However, there are still some tips that are helpful to know.
One-Shot Beatdown
In Halo Infinite, the CQS48 Bulldog is capable of draining a shield in one close-range shot. Shooting someone and following up with a melee attack will kill the opponent. This strategy is very useful when turning a corner and surprising an enemy. It is quick and efficient, and it saves bullets.
Slightly Longer Reload When Empty
Unlike previous shotguns in the series, this weapon has a drum magazine. Instead of reloading each shell one by one, you will replace the magazine. However, if you reload when the clip is empty, the reload animation is slightly longer. So it is important to reload before it is empty, if possible.
No Need to Zoom in with the Bulldog
A lot of weapons in Halo Infinite can zoom in if they don’t have alternate firing modes. The same goes for the CQS48 Bulldog. However, the zoom function is unnecessary for this weapon. Zooming in does not seem to change the bullet spread in the slightest. It is best to just unload the clip by hip-firing.
Be Aggressive with the Bulldog Weapon in Halo Infinite Multiplayer Games
When you have a shotgun, you want to be as close as possible to the opponent. If you are playing passive and distant with a shotgun, you will always lose a firefight. Don’t be afraid to get aggressive and close the gap. Use the Grappleshot or Thruster to get in for big damage. Also while the weapon may be semi-automatic, you can hold down the trigger to have it fire constantly.
The Bulldog is Not an Effective Shotgun to Counter the Energy Sword in Halo Infinite
Compared to previous Halo games where the shotgun could kill with one shot at point-blank range, the Bulldog shotgun in Halo Infinite takes two hits to take out an enemy. This means it is no longer a solid counter to players lunging with the Energy Sword. It’s not a terrible choice, but it isn’t a solid counter.
Conclusion
In short, the CQS48 Bulldog is a reliable shotgun that can get the job done. While it can’t kill in one shot at close range like previous shotguns in the series, it makes up for it with range. You can still beat them down after one full shot as well. So the kill speed is almost the same. The CQS48 Bulldog also has a much faster firing rate and smaller spread in Halo Infinite compared to other shotguns in the series. This can catch opponents off guard thinking they have a range advantage on you.
While the shotgun can’t counter the sword like it used to, it is still worth picking up. What are your thoughts on the new shotgun? Should it be a one-shot kill at close range? Tell us what you think in the comments.
For more great insights on how to use the weapons in Halo Infinite in multiplayer, check out our guide on how to use the Skewer weapon to obliterate your enemies!
